Although both humanitarians and development practitioners work on markets,
they are often separated by different perspectives and use very different tools
and approaches in their work.

Humanitarians sometimes complain that development economists aren’t
interested in crises because, just when they are needed, the data gets too
unreliable. Development markets experts may find it hard to work with agencies
who rush into crisis-hit areas and start up large interventions without
understanding how markets have been working – or even realising what they need
to know.

Many would argue that the divide between these two fields (just one part of
the relief-development divide) is artificial and counterproductive. But are
markets in crises just another illustration of why it’s unrealistic to expect
humanitarians and development practitioners to work together? Or is support for
markets the battleground where the final victory over this artificial divide
will be won?

HPG, the Markets in Crises group and BEAM Exchange have decided that the
most neutral battleground for a debate on the issue is the pub, and they are
inviting professionals from both humanitarian and development communities of
practice to meet each other, share ideas and argue (politely). Join us for an
informal gathering in The Mad Hatter pub for heated debates, candid discussions
- and drinks!